Course description
Geomorphology is the study of systems that transform the surface of the earth, such as rivers, glaciers, slopes, coasts and permafrost. Understanding these systems and the processes acting on them is crucial for comprehending our dynamic environment, particularly as climates around the world continue to change. Through lectures, labs, and field work, this course explores the forces acting on the landscape and the resulting landforms using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Learning activities
This course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some of the following:
- Lectures
- Labs
- Field Work
- Multimedia
- Individual and/or Team Projects
- Small Group Discussions
- Map and Air Photo Analysis
Means of assessment
Evaluation will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific criteria during the first week of classes.
Evaluation will include some combination of the following:
- Lab assignments of a combined value of up to 50%
- Field work with a value of up to 25%
- Term paper or project of a value of up to 25%
- Tests / examinations of a combined value of up to 50%
An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:
| Midterm |
20% |
| Labs |
30% |
| Field Trip Reports |
20% |
| Final Exam |
30% |
| Total |
100% |
Learning outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, a successful student will be able to:
- Describe the morphology of the landscape and related processes in areas influenced by fluvial, glacial, periglacial, aeolian, coastal, slope, and arid systems.
- Describe major scientific ideas and theories about the development of the landscape.
- Critically analyse geomorphological issues in a scientific context at local, regional, and global scales.
- Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other quantitative techniques to analyse landforms and processes of land formation.
- Use basic techniques to identify, measure, and analyse landforms and processes of land formation.
Textbook materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Textbooks will be updated periodically. Examples of appropriate textbooks are:
Bierman, P.R. and D.R. Montgomery. 2020. Key Concepts in Geomorphology, 2nd edition, Macmillian Learning.
Trenhaile, A.S. 2016. Geomorphology: A Canadian Perspective. 6th edition. Oxford University Press, Don Mills.
Online materials, such as journal articles, may also be used.